Taking A Look At The Phases Of Crisis Intervention

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People react in many different ways to a crisis situation. Sometimes, the crisis sets off a cataclysmic series of unanticipated, inexplicable consequences, such as depression, over-eating, under-eating, changes in behavior, sleeplessness, anxiety, the inability to develop strong relationships with others, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, angry outbursts or some other dysfunction. To heal, a crisis intervention is needed. Intervention programs and techniques vary widely. Some people choose to attend one-on-one therapy, while others find strength in group therapy. Resources like self-empowerment seminars, joining organizations to actively take control, or medical intervention services are also accessible.

There are many situations when a crisis intervention is recommended, such as surviving suicide, rape, abuse, surviving a kidnapping, runaways, military discharge, or following the death of a loved one. These intervention services are available not only for the victims but for the loved ones as well. The support net is critical for a person's recovery, although many of us weren't born simply knowing the right things to say or do. An intervention program such as this is helpful in creating that strong foundation of family and friends that will ultimately provide the long-term therapy for the recovering victim.

Dr. David Springer PHD called runaways the "Huck Finn Crisis," meaning that it is often a reaction to problems, rather than a lust for thrill-seeking that drives adolescents to run away from home. It can be extremely painful for family members to have no idea where their child has gone, but it can also be difficult for the runaway teen to come to terms with the emotional problems that prompted the runaway. In some cases, family therapy is needed if the child comes from a broken home. In other cases, drug treatment or a medical intervention may be necessary. Three phases of treatment for runaways are: crisis intervention, assessment and long-term care. The intervention is designed to provide travel assistance to runaways, information, family intervention, counseling sessions, shelter referrals and relays messages between parents and children.

Many victims resist crisis intervention because they fear the unknown or are suffering terrible anxiety. Generally, seeking help is more difficult as more time elapses. The sooner intervention services are sought, the better! Victims can get all the tools they need to overcome the flood of negative emotions they are confronting. Things like coping skills and self esteem building techniques can be lifesavers. Over time, one-on-one counseling will help the victim purge negative misconceptions and feelings of guilt, helplessness or resentment. In its place, they will learn self worth and to set goals, as well as gaining a sense of purpose, spirituality and happiness.